Heroin and prescription pill addiction in New Mexico is now a “crisis,” according to U.S. Attorney Damon Martinez.

“Unfortunately with the overdose deaths, we're leading in the nation. We're in the top five,” said Martinez.

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He’s hoping a new documentary, “Chasing the Dragon,” will increase awareness among young people.

The film chronicles the pitfalls of addiction to heroin and prescription drugs, and it’s targeted at middle and high school students. That is the age when students start experimenting with marijuana and other drugs.

Lou Duran’s son, Michael Duran, was a rising star athlete at Sandia Prep when he suffered an injury and was prescribed Oxycontin for the pain.

“Fast forward a couple of years, he ended up passing away from a heroin overdose,” said Duran.

The documentary depicts similar stories of young people who suffered an injury and became addicted to prescription pills. According to the film, people transition from pills to heroin.

“When they’re on oxy, it’s so easy to hide it because it’s a prescription pill, and they know how to control it,” said Duran, “They know exactly what they can handle, but that transition to heroin is deadly,” she said.

Along with education and awareness, Duran said more needs to be done about providing treatment for addicts.

Bernalillo County Commissioner Maggie Hart Stebbins said the county is trying to help, with about $17 million raised per year through a new behavioral health tax.

“We want to make that period where they hold on as short as possible,” said Hart Stebbins.

She is hoping the money will be available as soon as July.

Martinez announced a five-tier plan to combat heroin and opioid addiction that starts with prevention and education, and also includes treatment, law enforcement, reentry, and strategic planning.